More mosquitoes with West Nile found in Fall River; spraying set for early a.m.

Wednesday

Sep 26, 2012 at 12:01 AMSep 26, 2012 at 7:23 AM

Because West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were found in the North End, near Oak Grove Cemetery, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be attempting to spray the immediate areas around both St. Patrick’s Cemetery and Oak Grove Cemetery today from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting.

Marc Munroe Dion

Because West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were found in the North End, near Oak Grove Cemetery, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be attempting to spray the immediate areas around both St. Patrick’s Cemetery and Oak Grove Cemetery today from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting.

Because of cool weather conditions, previously scheduled early morning sprayings have been canceled.

To contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project for more information, call 508-823-5253.

“As a precaution, residents who live in the area should keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.,” Mayor Will Flanagan said. “In addition, caregivers should ensure that children, elderly relatives and friends as well as pets follow these guidelines.”

“Because of persistent positive trappings of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes, all Fall River residents are considered at moderate to high risk for WNV exposure.” Flanagan said.

“Everyone should take precautions.” Flanagan said. “People are encouraged to go the city’s website to access materials on West Nile Virus, EEE, spraying and mosquito repellents. The threat of mosquito-borne diseases will persist until there has been at least one to two ‘hard frosts.’”

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid mosquito bites
• The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Sports and other outdoor activities should be scheduled prior to dusk. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.

• Long-sleeves, long pants and socks, when outdoors, will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants younger than 2 months and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

Mosquito-proof your home
• Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.